Creating a Culture of
Well Being: Wellness
Resources from the
Experts
January, 2022
Jennifer Pugh, MD MBA FACEP, Clinical Assistant Professor, UBMD Emergency Medicine; Associate Chief of Service, Erie County Medical Center
Emergency medicine physicians are respected for their resilience under high stress situations. The countless challenges we have all experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic have not made our jobs any easier. Numerous surveys show more emergency medicine physicians feel burned out but fortunately there has been an increased focus on personal and professional wellness strategies.
New York ACEP Programs
New York ACEP offers many personal and professional development programs throughout the year. Members can take advantage of our Mentorship Program where New York ACEP will connect you with an experienced emergency medicine physician. Areas of interest can be found on the website along with information on how to sign-up for this program.
At the Scientific Assembly in July, New York ACEP members have gathered around the campfire for years during “Airway”, a storytelling initiative for the emergency medicine community to come together and share the moments that make our careers powerful. Members have also participated in a social running event and cheered on emergency medicine residents during the yearly volleyball tournament.
National Programs
Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation
The wellness of our colleagues has been brought to the attention of congress through the Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act, which honors the life of Dr. Breen, a respected New York ACEP colleague. This legislation supported by ACEP aims to reduce and prevent suicide, burnout and mental and behavioral health conditions among health care professionals.
This bill also supports suicide and burnout prevention training in health professional training programs and increases awareness and education about suicide and mental health concerns among health care professionals.
In the future, grants will be established for training health care providers to help improve well-being and job satisfaction. Evidence-based programs will be disseminated to help prevent and reduce suicide, burnout, mental health conditions and substance use disorders.
National Physician Suicide Awareness Day
The Council of Residency Directors in Emergency Medicine (CORD) in collaboration with ACEP has dedicated September 17 as National Physician Suicide Awareness Day. The goal of this day is to “break down stigma, increase awareness, open the conversation, decrease the fear of consequences, reach out to colleagues, recognize warning signs and learn to approach our colleagues who may be at risk.” CORD has provided a list of resources on their website to access if you or a colleague needs support.
Hospital, Departmental and Residency Based Programs
Most hospitals, departments and/or residencies have started Wellness Programs. Many groups have now established a Chief Wellness Officer position.
In 2020, Columbia University and Weill Cornell Medicine were the recipients of the New York ACEP Exemplary Commitments to Physician Well-Being Award. ED Well is a Wellness Committee at Columbia University that includes attending physicians and residents that work together on “initiatives including ongoing research regarding the impact of work environments and workplace violence” in addition to “social gatherings, health and fitness.” The Weill Cornell Wellness Committee offers peer support programs, shift time adjustments, faculty breaks, mentoring, recreational activities and social events.
Challenge yourself in 2023 to spend a few minutes to connect with a colleague who may be struggling. Take advantage of one of the many wellness resources available to you through your hospital, department, residency, New York ACEP or ACEP!
